Aims
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·        Dearth contemporary sources, mainly Romans ones, require careful evaluation,.

·        Dio says that “threatening to recover everything which the Persians of old once used to possess as far as the Hellenic sea, as his rightful inheritance form his forebears” – Shapur II maintains to Costanitius II “even your ancient records acknowledge that my forefathers held sway as far as the river Strymon and the borders of Macedonia, and it is appropriate that I demand this territory”.

·        Iranian studies dispute: did Saranians retain detailed knowledge of Achaemenid period, “great empire” – but celebratory site near old on indicates some knowledge

·        So why didn’t they exploit Roman weakness? Shapur captures Valerian mid 3^rd century, Shapur II defeats Julian in 363, Khurso I free to roam in Syria.  Content to abide with traditional status quo and respect major territorial aggrandisement.  Only Khurso II exploited opportunity in 602 and he didn’t attempt to justify it by reclaiming Archaemenid inheritance.

·        Overall restraint shows aims more limited - early emphasis on revival Iranian fortunes linked to internal legitimisation  -  Khurso restored to throne by Romans needed to prove emphatically not a puppet.

·        Crucial question is how Romans perceived Persian aims – clearly thought greater.

·        Anitoch thought to have been Shapur II goal in 359, and conquest Syria thought to be aim of same King through C I and CII – entangled in sieges of fortress cities.  Romans thought merely a diversion to greater aims, might actually have been aims. Procopius though Khurso’s aim to permanently occupy Syria  - only stopped by fortifications.

·        Also Romans think reason for invasion of Lazica access to C on Black sea 0 not important whether Khurso thought it feasible or wanted it.  Gains substance from Khurso building a road from Iberia to Lazica and continued fighting of war after 545 peace.  Procopius thinks ship timbers being sent up to Lazica.

·        Perception shown Roman desire to have suzerainty over Lazica inpeace of 561/62.  Later in century John of Ephesus says Genera Tarnkhurso *conquer all Roman lands” – irrelevant whether they said, Roman assumption Sasanian kings intent on expanding on eastern provinces of Roman Empire.

Other Notes in this Category

1. Aims
2. At the interface - The frontier Regions
3. Geographical Knowledge
4. Personnel
5. Resources for Foreign Relations, Records
6. Roman Aims
7. Sasanian Persia
8. Strategic Intelligence in relations with Persia

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